Long Live Us

*Alex pov*

It was Saturday afternoon, and Alex had just finished music school, and was now sitting in the car with him mum and dad on the way too the doctor's. Alex hated the doctors. The cold waiting room, the weird smell, the snobby receptionist, dodgy looks from other people. Eurgh. It was horrible. When they arrived, a rather large women with glasses balancing on the end of her nose signed them in, and the family sat down on the brown chairs in the waiting room. Alex was thankful for the fact they were pretty much the only one's there - only a hairy man sitting in the far corner with bloodshot eyes was there with them. Glancing at his phone, Alex tried to think of what he could do to pass the time. Settling with Candy Crush, his thoughts began to wander. He thought back to the evening before with Jack. Alex was still in shock at the discovery that he lived next door! He smiled to himself at how well he got on with Jack, and how much he loved spending time with the tall, raven haired boy. Reminding himself of 1) how stupid it looked too smile in public, and 2) not too fall for his best friend, he wiped the smile off his face. A few minutes later, a voice murmured "Alexander Gaskarth" through the speaker by the door, and the family got up and walked down the corridor and into the room. The door was a normal, dark brown wooden colour, and the golden plate on the door read "Dr Jolly" along with the various letters symbolising what PhD's and what nots he'd received. Ironically, Dr Jolly was sat on a tall, wooden chair, and his face was emotionless. The room was small, with a bed on one side, the desk on the other, a bookshelf crammed full of files and documents behind it.
"Hello, nice too see you all again." The doctor said blandly. He was of Asian descent, with thinning grey hair on top of his head. His features were very plain, nothing special, a lot like his personality. Alex sat down, and his parents sat down on either side. As any child does, when he asked if there were any worries, Alex looked to his mum, who then explained recent events. The doctor nodded and hummed at particular bits, and when a
Alex's mum had finished he began typing notes into the computer.
"Well you seem to be doing well, Alexander, and seemed to have settled in okay. I don't see anything to be worrying, seeing as the panic attack was prevented, but if you feel you need any help, here's a therapist who's great with teenagers." He said, handing Alex a small card. It read "Penelope Cooper" with a title, address and phone number. Alex nodded in thanks and put the card into his pocket, knowing he wouldn't want to go. His therapy in Essex hadn't helped all that much, because it didn't stop anything from happening, they just tried to ease the pain afterwards. And that's not what Alex wanted. He wanted a cure. He wanted to he able to walk into a room full of strangers and be his normal, confident self, and not have to stand there and worry himself to an attack. He was pretty certain no amount of medication or therapy could make that happen. However, he did think that someone would help. Someone would walk into his life and make that idea a reality. Again, his mind wandered back to Jack. The way his rough, manly hands had held his cheeks. His dark, chocolate brown eyes filled with emotion, and Alex had felt himself get lost in them. Quickly, he realised that the person who could, and hopefully would help him, may have already walked into his life. Now, Alex just had to let him in.

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"Right guys, I'm quickly going to go through everything that we're doing this year, so you guys can get properly started." It was Monday morning, and Alex was sitting next to Tay in music. He had spent Sunday with Vic from music school, and found that the two boys and quite a lot in common. Vic was trying to start a band, but didn't feel confident enough, which was why he was at the music school now. Alex hadn't spoken to Jack since Friday, mainly due to the lack of his number and the fact Alex wasn't at home Sunday. Jack hadn't been in registration, so Alex assumed he was ill, however moments after that thought crossed his mind, the lanky boy entered the room. He looked amazing. Alex knew he was staring, as the raven haired boy waltzed in, nodding to miss and taking his seat next to Jenna.
"Have you signed in?" Jack nodded, "okay good. Right, so in your pairs you will be performing throughout the year. Two performance as a pair; one of which has to be a slow song. Then those who want to be in a band, which I know is most of you, have to perform as a band. On top of that, those who want to be singers, have to do a solo. This can be either your own something or a cover, but nothing else being assessed can be involved: so nobody from this year group and no live music unless you're playing it yourself. So there's that, and your music theory which will be sat as an exam at the end of the year. If anyone has any questions then ask me, other than that, I'm finished." She smiled and took in a deep breath after talking for quite a while, and everyone began to talk in their pairs. Because Alex had no idea what they were going to do yet, and neither did Tay, the two just began chatting. Alex could feel the two of them becoming closer with each passing day. They got on like a house on fire, and already texted constantly. Whilst talking to Tay, Alex kept glancing over at Jack. He didn't look right. He looked awkward, worried and conserved. His arm wasn't slouched across Jenna, and the blonde girl was frowning whilst she spoke to him quietly. Alex was pretty sure something was up.
"You still like him then?" Tay interrupted Alex's thoughts, and he scowled at the girl. She smiled innocently, causing Alex to smile back. Alex opened to his mouth to defend himself, when they were interrupted by Alex's phone ringing. The pair looked down at Alex's pocket, frowning with equal confusion. Removing his phone from his pocket, Alex answered.
"Hello?"
'ALEXXXXX!' A huge smile erupted over Alex's face when he heard the familiar voice on the other end. The English voice that he missed so much.
"OLIIII!" Alex said back, trying to keep his voice down so the whole class wasn't looking at him.
'How are you?'
"I'm alright, how are you? It's been too long man!"
'I know! I'm fine, what time is it there?'
"Urm, 9:30am."
'Shit, aren't you at school?' Alex laughed.
"Yes, I am." Causing Oli to laugh loudly, and Alex could picture the smile on his face.
'I hope you're not breaking any rules Alexander!'
"Well you're the one who called me, Oliver, so it's your fault!" Alex giggled, trying to sound all important. "No seriously I should go, skype me later though?"
'Yeah man defo, I miss you man! Talk to you later Panda.' Alex smiled at the nickname.
"See ya Oli Bear." He finished, hanging up. The smiled hovered on his face, until he looked up and saw Tay looking straight at him.
"I'll question you in a minute, look at Jack." Alex frowned, then glanced over to see Jack staring at him. His dark eyes were brimming with tears, and he looked hurt and confused. When his eyes locked with Alex's, he turned around quickly. Confused, and slightly hurt, Alex turned back to Tay, who's eyes were sympathetic.
"Does he know you're gay?"
"Oli or Jack?" Tay rolled her eyes.
"Oli questions later, Jack."
"Urm, no..well I haven't told him...but you guessed? So I dunno..." She laughed.
"That's because I'm a genius. Go talk to him." Just as Alex was going to protest, Tay called Jenna and motioned for her to come over. After being kicked by Tay, Alex got up and sat next to Jack. He tried to act casual, but he was ridiculously worried about his friend.
"Hey Jack, you alright?" He offered, smiling at Jack. When he looked up, his round eyes looked hurt, and he had dark circles underneath. Maybe he was ill, Alex thought. Jack smiled softly, saying "yeah, you?" Alex wasn't convinced. He frowned, and searched the boys face for any clue as to what was worrying him. Jack chuckled a bit, making Alex's stomach twist at how adorable he was. "Alex, I'm fine. I just had a...confusing weekend."
"Do you, er, want to talk about it?" Alex said, lifting his hand to put it on Jack's shoulder. However, Jack flinched under the slightest touch, so Alex dropped his hand back down into his lap. The taller boy shook his head, and looked down at the floor, evidently refusing to look at Alex. The shorter boy sighed, and heard Jenna return so returned to Tay.
"What happened?" Tay said immediately, before Alex had even sat down.
"I dunno..nothing.." He sighed, looking up to Tay for reassurance, or guidance, or anything really. She only nodded thoughtfully, before asking who Oli was. The smile returned to Alex's face as he remembered his best friend.
"He's my best friend, he lives in Essex and we went to school together. He's a great guy, loves his music, he likes the heavier kinda stuff." Tay nodded, Alex guessed in approval. They then began to talk about England, Essex and London in particular, and before they knew it the bell went for break.

Two periods later, and the bell went for lunch. Again, Alex waited for Rian, Cassadee, Jack and Jenna with Tay, and the gang made their way too meet Josh, Max and Dan. The three boys were already sitting at the normal table, and the girls departed, leaving the six boys together. Alex felt a strange tension coming from Jack, and so decided to sit with Rian between them. He took a seat next to Josh, who was eagerly tucking into the pasta in front of him. Alex laughed as Josh splattered it down his trousers, cursing under his breath as he tried to wipe the red-orange stain off of his navy suit.
"Alex?" He turned, to see Rian looking at him, "do you sing?" Alex froze. He hated telling people, because that always meant someone saying "let's hear you!" and Alex hated that. It was hard enough for him too sing in front of Jack, never mind the others who he didn't feel as close too. Due to his hesitation, Jack looked up, and nodded, smiling supportively. Inhaling deeply, Alex replied "yeah, kinda I guess, why?"
"Fabbbb! I've got an idea for our music assessment, er, I just wanna see how it goes. Both come to mine Wednesday after the early finish?" He looked hopefully at the two boys, who eventually nodded - skeptically and quite confused. "Zack's gonna be there aswell, just so you know."
"Baseball shorts Zack?" Jack questioned, laughing when Rian nodded. The boys the descended into a conversation about Zack, before various other random topics. Soon enough, the bell went, and they all headed to registration. On the way out, Mr Wilkinson stopped Jack. Rian went on ahead, because their maths teacher already didn't like him, so Alex hovered by the door waiting for Jack. "
Why were you late this morning?" The teacher said sincerely, the opposite of his usual cheery self, and his tone worried Alex.
"I overslept." Jack replied bluntly, avoiding eye contact.
"Didn't your mum wake you?" Jack shook his head, glaring at the teacher in a way that said 'obviously she didn't or I would've been on time'. Mr Wilkinson sighed, looking at Jack. "Do we need another chat?"
"No we do not." Jack replied quickly, grabbing his bag, walking up to Alex and dragging him out of the room. Jack's shoulders were stiffened - he was evidently angry. He let go of Alex's arm, and took a deep breath. Alex put his hand on the taller boys back, in hope it would settle him. The boy stiffened a bit, then seemed to relax under his touch.
"C'mon, Dr Cook will be wondering where we've gotten too." He said to Jack, smiling at him, trying not too show his own nerves and confusion at what had just happened. Nodding, Jack followed. When they arrived at the lesson, they were 10 minutes late, and as Alex had predicted, their teacher went mad - but not in the manner he had expected.
"Oh, Jack! How nice of you to grace us with your presence today, fancy telling everyone why you're late?" The blonde women scowled at Jack.
"Urm, he, I mean we, we're talking to Mr Wilkinson." Alex stepped up, standing protectively in front of Jack. He was answered with a snort from the teacher.
"Whatever. Jack, I'd appreciate it if you would start doing some work and show up on time. Stop thinking you're special and deserve special treatment, because you won't get it. Just remember the usual manners please." And then Jack exploded.
"You know what? Fuck this. I don't need to be here! Stick your stupid graphs up where the sun doesn't shine. No I will not do any work, because you know what? I don't NEED too. I'm still going to get the best grade possible, so fuck off with shouting at me and treating me like a piece of shit. I'm done." And with that, he left, slamming the door loudly behind him. Dr Cook laughed, and shouted "don't even think about following him." to Alex as he turned to do just that. Torn, he slowly sank into his seat next to Rian. Alex felt his shoulders shake. He wasn't sure whether it was fear, nerves, worry or the fact he was in complete disbelief of what had just happened. Every inch of his body screamed at him to run after Jack and to find him, but he knew he couldn't. He jumped when he felt a hand on his, and looked over to see Rian's hand placed over his own.
"He'll be okay, Alex, Jack always is. I'm surprised it's taken this long, but yeah, now you can really see what he meant when he said what he did on the first day." Alex nodded, understanding, and Rian smiled, removing his hand and facing the front. Mentally, Alex decided he would visit Jack later. He had too. The worry was already building up inside his stomach, and he knew he needed to help Jack.

When the bell went after what seemed like an eternity, Alex ran as fast as he could down the stairs, out of the school and to his car. He drove home quickly, worry forcing his right foot to press further down to the ground. Turning into the drive, Alex prayed that Jack was home. Leaving his bag in the car, he locked it, and darted round the hedge and up to the door. Nervously, he rang the doorbell. The house was silent, and Alex's heart sank. He waited a moment longer, and just as he was about to admit defeat, the door swung open. It revealed a dishevelled, tired looking Jack. His hair was spiking out in every directions, his eyes were slightly bloodshot, and his shoulders were slumped. His eyes lit up with surprise when he saw Alex, and he motioned for him to come in. Alex stepped into the house, his eyes not leaving Jack for a moment. "Do you want-"
"You scared the hell out of me Jack." Alex cut him off, wanting to know what had happened. He felt a need to get to know Jack, to be there for him, to help and protect him. Alex didn't want to admit why he was feeling these things, but he knew the feelings were real and needed. Jack responded by shaking his head.
"I'm sorry, Alex. I wish you never had to see that side of me, I was trying to keep it hidden away so you wouldn't have any reason to leave me or hate me..." he mumbled, dropping onto the couch.
"Talk to me." Alex murmured gently, sitting down next to Jack and tracing patterns into his knee. Perhaps he was sitting too close, but to Alex it felt right sitting like this. But this wasn't about him - it was about Jack. The boys eyes were darkened with worry, but he spoke anyway.
"Teachers hate me, it's just a thing. I get good grades without doing any work, and they don't like it. They don't get it. They expect me to do work I don't need too. Then they stick me with the new guy, and then I get in trouble if they fuck up. And being my friend counts as fucking up. That's why no new people have joined the group, they all get fed up and leave - I'm surprised you have already, especially after today. That's why she ignored you, she ignores all of us - because of me. Even Josh and Rian...I'm sorry Alex it's my fault." His last words came out as a choke as tears began slowly rolling down his face. Stuck in a trance of pure shock, Alex grabbed the boy and pulled him into his chest. Jack didn't retaliate, instead held onto Alex's shirt and cried. Still in disbelief at what was happening and what had just been said, the two boys stayed in this embrace until Jack had stopped crying. Jack, the boy Alex had always thought was perfect and happy and untouchable, was now lying, crying into his shirt. Maybe this was Jack's cracks beginning to show, proving he wasn't this perfect, angelic creature that people perceived him as. Alex felt there was more behind the story of Jack Barakat, but now was not the time to discover that story. Once Jack had finished, he sat up, rubbed his eyes and mumbled an apology to Alex.
"Hey, Jack don't worry about it. She's a bitch, okay? They all are. They're jealous of how talented you are! I know I haven't been here long, but I already know you're a great guy. Don't ever change that, okay?" Alex told the taller boy sincerely. He responded with a small smile. Alex wondered if he should leave, but he didn't really want too. Whilst he was contemplating this, he suddenly felt something hit the side of his face. Glaring up, he noticed it was a pillow, and a very cheeky looking Jack perched on the end of the couch. Pouting, Alex picked up the cushion and threw it at Jack's head. However, as Alex knew, he was crap at throwing, and Jack caught it easily - arms length from his head. Laughing, Jack lifted it up to throw it again, so Alex threw himself on the floor wailing "no Jack don't do it I surrender!" and covering his face with his hands. It was silent for a few moments, and after opening his eyes Alex realised Jack had disappeared. Frowning, he sat up, only to hear "TICKLEEEE" from behind him. Jack launched himself on to Alex, his fingers running up and down Alex's back and around his hips. Rolling onto his back, Alex squealed "nononono" and tried to push Jack off. However, Jack's superior height meant that he won and Alex ended the tickling fight on the floor in fits of laughter, whilst Jack stood over him looking very proud of himself. The dark haired boy laughed at Alex, laughing harder when Alex tried to talk but only laughs came out. When he had finally composed himself, he growled "I'm gonna get you back Barakat, one day just you watch!" Jack looked at him with the 'yeah whatever keep dreaming' look before helping him up off the floor. The two boys spent the next hour or so just playing video games and watching tv. When it got too 5:30, Alex stood up.
"I'd better go home Jack, sorry. You okay now?"
"Yeah don't worry I'm cool. Thanks for coming to hang out." He smiled sheepishly, his cheeks reddening. Alex couldn't help but smile back.
"Anytime, see ya later."
"Later loser!" Jack called, as Alex shut the door and went home.

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"Vic's coming over in a bit, forgot to remind you this morning." Alex said to his mum who was sitting at the computer, eagerly typing up whatever she did for her work.
"That's fine honey I'll stick a pizza on for dinner when he's here."
"Thanks mum!" He called, bounding upstairs to get changed. School had been boring, Jack came in but had been very quiet and Rian still wouldn't tell them why he wanted him round tomorrow. Alex flung his bag into the bed, before deciding what to wear. Settling on his dark blue skinny jeans and his pull over Blink jumper, he grabbed his guitar and waited for Vic. The two had been paired together for their music school performance, so Vic was coming over to practice. Alex had been told that Vic had a slow song he wanted to sing, so hoped Alex would play the guitar part - which he happily agreed too. After twenty minutes of daydreaming, the doorbell sounded and Alex let Vic in. He was wearing grey jeans with a light blue shirt and a navy jumper, and a massive smile across his face. They went and sat outside, mainly not to disturb Alex's mum, but partially because it was quite a nice day. Leading Vic out, the boys began to chat about school and other random things, before they settled down on the grass and Alex got his guitar out and Vic pulled out 2 song sheets and handed one too Alex.
"Er, yeah, that's the music..I wrote the lyrics underneath just in case...but you're pretty good so it's not hard..I don't think.." Vic mumbled nervously as Alex's eyes danced over the sheet.
"Holy crap Vic this is amazing!" He exclaimed, eyes wide and filled with excitement. "Wow I'm honoured you asked me this is awesome!" Vic blushed, trying to hide his face with his long hair. Alex strummed his guitar, trying to play the notes right, and he was content when Vic watched him, smiling and nodding to the beat. Finishing, Alex glanced up to see the boys eyes filled with fear - probably waiting too hear what Alex thought. "This is just like perfect Vic, come on sing now! Don't be so scared!" Vic nodded, laughing quietly. Alex ran his fingers over his guitar, before gently starting the intro. He then realised he had never heard Vic sing, or heard anyone else talk about Vic singing. With no idea what to expect, he held his breath as Vic took a deep breath in, hoping he would be as good as Alex wanted him too be.
"As we wake up in your room,
Your face is the first thing I see,
The first time I've seen love,
And the last I'll ever need,"

'Holy shit he's good!' Alex thought, letting his mind drift and letting himself fall under the beautiful spell that Vic's voice was casting over the pair of them.

"You remind her that your future would be nothing without her,
Never lose her, I'm afraid,
Better think of something good to say.
But it's all been done, more than once so I'll keep on trying,
Oh God don't let me be the only one who says...
No! At the top of our lungs,
There's no, no such thing as too young,
When second chances won't leave you alone,
Then there's faith in love.
She was always the one,
I'll repeat it again, the one,
No such thing as too young,
Red lights flash in the car we're kissing in,
Call me crazy,
I've always tried to remind her that the future's,
Just a few heartbeats away from disaster.
I'm afraid that I've thrown it all away.
No! At the top of our lungs,
There's no, no such thing as too young,
Second chances won't leave you alone.
No at the top of our lungs,
There's no, no such thing as too young,
Second chances won't leave you alone.
We'll repeat it again,
There's no, no such thing as too young,
Second chances won't leave you alone,
'Cause there's faith in...
If you kiss me goodnight,
I'll know, everything is alright,
Second chances won't leave us alone,
Won't leave us alone,
'Cause there's faith in love"

And he finished, looking at Alex with a worried look across his face. Alex just stared back in complete and utter shock. He had no idea what to say, he had been completely blown away and was in complete awe of the other boys voice. And the song was beautiful, complementing Vic perfectly, and evidently meaning a lot to him.
"You're like, oh my god, I can't put it into words..you're awesome! Like, more than awesome!" Alex said, trying to convey what he was feeling, flapping his arms about in frustration at not knowing what too say. Blushing, Vic hid his face again, smiling at the compliment. All Alex could think was how this shy, quiet, reserved boy can completely changed that in one song, and was hiding a ridiculously good voice.
"I, erm.. do you think people will like it?" Vic asked nervously.
"They better! I love it!" Alex replied, however he noticed Vic frown and look down. "Are you trying to impress someone Mr Fuentes?" Alex asked, winking at the boy who had looked back up.
"No actually, I just wanna be accepted..." He murmured, looking defeated. Alex placed his hand a on Vic's knee, giving him a reassuring smile.
"You're great Vic. You're a fun, laid back, fucking talented kid. It's their loss if they don't see that, okay?" Vic nodded slowly, smiling at Alex. The two then descended into talking about the people at music school, although Alex didn't really know any of them. After a few minutes, Vic looked up and Alex noticed his eyes glance over into one of the other gardens, before he said, "he's cute, your type?" Alex looked over to see what he meant. Jack. The tall dark haired boy was sitting in his usual spot, oblivious too Alex and Vic, strumming his guitar and singing quietly. His fringe was falling over his forehead, the rest of his hair soft looking and spiking up here and there. His usual clothes of band merch and skinny jeans covered him, with a leather jacket on top. Alex sighed at the sight of the boy, and how perfect and flawless he looked. Frowning, he remembered the day before, when he had cradled the exact same boy whilst tears fell down his cheeks. Jack seemed happier now than he did yesterday and at school, which Alex was glad about.
"Well somebody fancies him. Must be your type!" Vic interrupted his thoughts. Alex turned back around, too see Vic's arms crossed across his chest and his eyebrows raised. Alex tried to deny it, but knew it wouldn't work after he'd been staring and how he's cheeks had turned bright red. "What's his name? Do you know him? What's he like? Is he gay?" Vic pestered, bouncing up and down like an excited puppy as he began in interrogate Alex. Rolling his eyes, he answered "Jack, yes we go to school together, he's really nice - funny, loud, laid back..teachers hate him, no I don't think so." The last answer made Alex sigh and look back at the boy on the other side of the fence. If only.
"You'll get him, I know you will, I can tell." Vic said, smiling at Alex, a playful glint in his eyes. Laughing, Alex shook his head. The two boys sat and talked for a bit longer, before they had dinner and then Vic had to leave. Once he'd waved Vic off, Alex went upstairs to his room and looked out the window. Jack was still sat in his garden, and the rising moon cast dancing grey shadows over his dark hair. He looked majestic, his high shoulders leaning over his thin figure. As Alex's eyes studied the boy, he found himself once again wondering if he was falling for this boy...

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"Why do you have your guitars?" Alex asked, frowning. Jack had just knocked in for him, and they were about too set off to go to Rian's mystery meeting. Alex had opened the door to Jack, wearing dark denim jeans and a black top with 'BONER' written across it in red, with a leather jacket on top. His dark hair was styled perfectly, his eyes glistening with excitement. "I dunno, Rian text me telling me too. Didn't he text you?"
"Nope I have nobody's numbers..." Alex replied, frowning again and running a hand through his fringe. Jack smirked slightly, before putting out his hand.
"Gimme your phone and get your guitar."
"Which one?" Jack rolled his eyes.
"Whichever Alex, I have no idea." Nodding, Alex gave Jack his phone and ran upstairs to get his guitar. Seeing as Jack was taking two, he decided he'd take two of his, so grabbed his sticker covered acoustic and his green electric. Checking he looked okay in the mirror before he went down, he grabbed his keys and went back to Jack who was still stood at the door. Giving him a dashing smile, he handed Alex his phone back and waited by the car. Upon reading what Jack had done, he had added himself as a contact; 'the sexiest person ever Jack Barakat'.
Laughing, Alex shoved his phone into his pocket, locked the door and arranged the guitars in the car with Jack. When they had finally agreed which position their 'babies' need to be in - a debate which Jack contributed a lot of sex jokes too - they hopped in and were on their way. "Fucking hell" Jack grumbled as he got in, and Alex laughed at the sight. Jack was sat, with his knees up to his chest and bent over because of how small the car was. He scowled at Alex whilst he laughed. After at least two minutes of hysterical laughter, Alex helped out the seat further back so the lanky boy would have some leg room.
"This is why I hate being tall!" He exclaimed when he could finally stretch out a bit more. Alex shook his head, still quietly laughing at the boy, before pulling out of the driveway. He pressed play on the dashboard, his mix cd blasting through the car.
"You're gonna have to tell me where I'm going, I only have a vague idea." Alex murmured, just loud enough for Jack to hear, whilst he concentrated on trying to remember road names from the route planner. Jack just nodded in reply, his hands slapping his thighs to the tune of My Friends Over You. They sat in silence, other than Jack's singing and tapping, and after Alex only making one mistake - they made it to Rian's. They clambered out the car, grabbed their guitars and Jack skipped up to the door and knocked. Alex waited nervously, twirling some hair between his fingers. The door opened revealing Rian, wearing black jeans and a denim shirt. He smiled, said "heeeey" and let the two boys in. The house was huge. The rooms were spacious and modern, the floor wooden stretching off everywhere. There were stairs on the left leading up, and a door on the right - which Rian led them into and down the stairs on the other side. They were brought out in what was evidently Rian's basement. There was a tv on one wall, the xbox below it. A small table was in the middle with bean bags around it. On the other side was a drum set - the boys pride and joy. Seated on one of the bean bags was a well built guy, with brown hair slightly darker than Alex's. He was wearing baseball shorts - which made sense seeing the conversation on Monday - with a striped t-shirt. "
Zaaaaaackkkk!" Jack squealed when they went in, running across the room and flinging himself into the boy.
"Jaaaack!" He replied, laughing and out of breath. "Hey! you must be Alex?" He said from underneath Jack, offering a wave. Laughing and nodding, Alex waved back shyly. Zack winked, then pushed Jack off him, causing the boy to land with a thud and roll across the floor.
"Good damn you and your working out!" He whined, pouting and rubbing his arm where he had landed. Alex chuckled to himself at how child-like Jack was. Zack playfully ruffled Jack's hair, before scrunching his face at how much hair spray Jack had in, and wiping his hand on the bean bag.
"Anyway guys," Rian started, "I had an idea!" Jack rolled his eyes, and motioned for Alex to sit on the floor next to him. As he wandered over, Rian continued. "So, like, you all know I'm a drummer. And Jack's soooo good at guitar, and Zacks well good at bass, and Alex can sing so like... I dunno, we could like, maybe, try and start a band...?" He looked around hopefully, but only Jack responded with excitement. Alex's initial reaction was 'omg that's such a good idea that'd be so fun!' but then he thought about his anxiety and had no idea how he would ever be able to stand up in front of groups of people and sing. He smiled at the image, but knew it was never going to happen. How would a boy with anxiety problems stand up in front of people and sing? He nearly had a pain attack when meeting three new people! Jack was thrashing his arms about and running around like a mad man, whilst Zack was nodding thoughtfully, and Rian was looking content with the reactions. "I thought we could try it out today, maybe?" Zack nodded and smiled, dragging Rian up the stairs of the basement to get his bass.
"Hey, you gonna be okay with this? You're great, you don't need to be nervous, especially around us." Jack murmured in Alex's ear, giving Alex a reassuring smile.
"I dunno, Jack... It was hard enough singing just in front of you..." Jack wrapped his arm around Alex's shoulder, making the younger boy freeze.
"I know, but you'll have your guitar, and I'll be right next too you, okay?" Alex relaxed into his touch, enjoying the comforting embrace. He nodded and smiled at the dark haired boy, who's eyes were filled with excitement. Alex quickly got lost in the boys dark eyes and admired the patterns the different shades of brown created, and found himself daydreaming about wrapping his arms round his neck and crashing their lips together. He began to wonder how Jack tasted, how he felt, how soft his lips were... Shaking his head, he snapped out of his trance just as Rian and Zack re-entered. Zack now had a black bass guitar strapped over his shoulder, and Rian carried popcorn and cans of coke. He set them down on the table, and told Jack and Alex to get their electrics out. After getting his green guitar out and pulling out a pick, he glanced at Jack. Wow. His guitar was black, and one of the most beautiful things Alex had ever laid eyes on. The reflection of the light made it glow and as Jack leaned over it the way the light danced on his hair was mesmerising. His high shoulders and long arms looked even higher and even longer, and his skinny legs looked adorable. Jack winked at Alex, who blushed because he had just been caught staring.
"So I figured we could try a cover, so I got -" Rian was cut of by Jack loudly strumming his guitar, sound radiating across the room - and it wasn't even plugged into the amp yet. Rian scowled at him, and Jack shot him an innocent smile. "Yeah I chose Umbrella by Rhianna because yeah why not..."
"Yeah more like because it's Cass's favourite." Jack scoffed whilst he tuned his guitar. Rian shook his head, but also turned a bright shade of red. Zack had finished setting up three music stands for himself, Alex and Jack and Rian put the paper on them as he made his way too sit behind his drumkit. Frowning, Alex looked over the page, putting finger movement too each note, and just as he finished working out the first few bars and how to sing in time, sound erupted from Jack's side of the room as he began playing. He easily played the first few lines singing along and everything, and even having time for head flicks and jumps now and then. Amazed, Alex stared in awe at how talented he was, and felt stupid for not being able to do the back up that quickly. Jack must have noticed this, because his eyes locked with Alex's and his shoulders slumped, his hands dropped his guitar, his face fell and he murmured "i'll give you some time" before sitting on one of the bean bags and getting his phone out. Zack and Rian rolled their eyes at each other, as if this was normal, but Alex was unnerved. Why was he so upset? And what was he so deep in thought bout now, whilst gently running his fingers along his wrist. Looking at the tall boy, guilt smothered him. He'd upset him probably due to the look in his eyes and that struck Alex hard. This was the boy he wanted to let in, to be best friends with, to have mutual trust with, and he's managed to hurt him so much that he walked away from the three of them. Once again envying the dark haired boys talent, Alex ran through various ideas in his head to bring Jack back. Taking a deep breath in, Alex decided to throw everything out there with an idea he wouldn't suggest for many people due to his anxiety. But for Jack, he'd do it.
"I don't need to play, Jack could do both guitar parts right? I bet he can. I'll just sing - I think I can just about manage that." He watched as Jack's shrunken figure looked over and he smiled again, shrugging and getting up. Guilt washed over Alex as Jack got up and wandered back over to the stand, his shoulders still hunched. It wasn't Jack's fault that Alex wasn't as good as him. 'Maybe it would give me a good reason for us to hang out more...' Alex thought as he handed Jack the second guitar sheet. After that Jack came out of his protective shell again, his confidence restored. Turning back to the lyrics, he read over them to check he knew them all correctly, before Jack's excitement took over and he asked if everyone was ready. Alex nodded. He took a couple of deep breaths in, calming himself down. He really didn't want to faint in front of these guys - especially Jack, and he wanted to leave Zack with a good first impression. He jumped when he felt something on his hand, but looked down too see Jack's hand wrapped around his own, squeezing it gently.
"You can say no, it's okay, it's just us, we won't judge you or any crap like that." He whispered into Alex's ear. He leant his head into the crook of Jack's neck, trying to calm himself down whilst enjoying the warmth of Jack against him. 'I could so get used to this' he thought to himself, smiling as he nodded and released his hand from Jack's.
"Ready? One, two, one two three four!" Rian tapped them in, and the room erupted with sound as they started playing. Alex admired the three boys sharing the room with him to calm him down as he sang. He smirked as Jack bounced around, flipping his hair everywhere whilst not once putting a finger out of place. Zack was a lot calmer, standing still by the stand, his muscular arms flexing at each note. Rian's arms were flapping about in a way that looked childish and skilful at the same time, and his white teeth were glowing as he smiled. Alex felt himself smiling as he melted into the song, and he let his nerves get carried away. When the song ended, all four boys looked around at each other, pleased with how it had gone.
"This is so happening, we're gonna ace our music a level!" Rian said, leaping up from his drums and pulling the boys into a group hug. Alex smiled, throwing his arm around Jack's and Zack's waists, pulling them all together. Maybe this would be good for Alex - hopefully good for all of them. He already knew he had friends for life in these three boys, and was surprised by how confident he felt around them. He felt like a new, different Alex. And he liked this Alex. His move to America might have just started to pay off.

Notes

urm so yeah in my story Jack is super smart :D
& the band started yay :3
thanks so much too everyone that's voted/subscribed/commented and viewed! xoxox